Saffron: Temperament, Benefits and Safe Amounts
Saffron’s profile, hot and dry temperament, its active compounds, traditional uses, Dr Kalan’s advice and safe amounts.
Saffron is rich in safranal, which is linked to relief of pain and inflammation. It is thought to protect nerve cells and the heart, is helpful in stomach complaints and ulcers, and may help balance insulin and lower triglycerides and cholesterol.
Profile
- Latin: Crocus sativus
- German: Safran
- English: saffron
- Spanish: azafrán
- French: safran
- Family: Iridaceae (iris family)
- Genus: Crocus
- Temperament: hot and dry
- Correctives (muslih): barley water, sekanjabin
- Constituents: sodium, potassium, vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, folate, crocin (colour), picrocrocin (taste), safranal (aroma), glucose and oil
- Native range: Asia
- Grown in: Iran, Afghanistan, Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, and Safranbolu in Turkey
- Soil: mineral-rich, clayey, chalky and loose
- Types: Iranian, Afghan, Greek and Spanish saffron
- Harvest: mid-autumn
- Part used: the stigmas and styles (the thread-like female parts of the flower)
- Forms of use: spice, oil, extract, hydrosol
Traditional uses
- Brightens the complexion
- Helps disperse infection
- Helpful in skin conditions, especially erysipelas
- Good for the eyes
- Good for the heart and breathing
- Reduces appetite; beneficial for the stomach, liver and spleen
- Increases vitality and libido
- Diuretic
- Used in uterine complaints and traditionally to ease childbirth
Dr Kalan’s advice
In Iran and Afghanistan saffron is also called “zafaran” and “zargaran”. The benefits of its active compounds can be summarised as follows.
Crocin is a powerful antioxidant with antidepressant, antifungal and anti-infective activity. It helps protect nerve cells and, in laboratory studies, slows the growth of some cancer cells (this has not been shown in people). Studies suggest saffron may help with premature ejaculation and erectile function in men, and reduce PMS symptoms in women. It may lower blood pressure. It influences serotonin, and several clinical trials have found it helpful for mild to moderate depression.
Safranal is linked to relief of pain and inflammation, and protects nerve cells and the heart. Crocin and crocetin are being studied for Alzheimer’s disease and memory. Saffron compounds have also been studied as a support for people giving up addictive substances.
Picrocrocin helps digestion. Saffron is helpful in stomach complaints and ulcers, may help balance insulin and lower triglycerides and cholesterol, and is said to lift the mood and give courage.
It opens the appetite of children who eat poorly and makes digestion easier. It is especially helpful for complaints caused by cold.
Its carotenoids protect the skin and eyes. Zeaxanthin protects the eyes from many problems and supports sight. Traditionally saffron is also used to balance tear production and for cataract.
Saffron is also used in skincare to protect against sun damage, reduce itching and lighten dark circles under the eyes.
Safety and amounts
- Pregnancy: large amounts increase the risk of miscarriage. Avoid medicinal amounts in pregnancy; in particular, never take 1 gram or more.
- Adults: culinary amounts are a few threads; studies use about 30 mg a day. More than 3 grams a day is not recommended.
- Too much suppresses the appetite and can cause constipation.
- Overdose: doses of about 5 grams and more are toxic, and much larger doses (around 12 to 20 grams) can be fatal.
- Saffron may lower blood pressure and add to the effect of antidepressants and blood thinners.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
